Bill calls for $40 million investment in clean energy job training

On the first day of the 2016 Maryland General Assembly session, state legislators joined clean energy advocates in Annapolis to push for legislation that would significantly boost Maryland’s use of renewable energy, while creating the largest clean energy jobs training program in state history, supporters say.

On the first day of the 2016 Maryland General Assembly session, state legislators joined clean energy advocates in Annapolis to push for legislation that would significantly boost Maryland’s use of renewable energy, while creating the largest clean energy jobs training program in state history, supporters say.

"We have to take this precious earth and leave it as well or better than we found it."

Lawmakers and environmental advocates gathered in Annapolis to push for the Clean Energy Job Act on the first day of the General Assembly session.

"We have to take this precious earth and leave it as well or better than we found it," said State Senator Thomas "Mac" Middleton, D-Charles County.

The bill would ensure Maryland gets 25 percent of its electricity by 2020 from "clean" sources, such as wind and solar power, supporters said. The measure would also initiate a $40 million investment in "the largest clean energy jobs training program in the state's history" and support minority- and women-owned clean energy businesses, advocates said Wednesday.

The move away from fossil fuel combustion will benefit the health of people and the environment, advocates said.

"The bill is a top priority for Maryland's environmental community," said Karla Raettig, director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters. "It will reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, which are causing rising sea levels, record storms and increasing flooding in Maryland."

The General Assembly convenes in Annapolis on the first day of the legislative session.

The General Assembly convenes in Annapolis on the first day of the legislative session.